If you’re showing signs or symptoms of shortness of breath, swelling, or have a heart murmur, we may recommend that you receive an echocardiogram. At Heart of Dixie Cardiology, we specialize in performing and interpreting echocardiograms. This common test will help us diagnose what may be going on with your heart and recommend treatments going forward.
An echocardiogram is a test to show how your heart muscles and valves are functioning. This type of test uses an ultrasound to take moving pictures of your heart. This allows our cardiologists to look at the size and shape of your heart.
Echocardiograms can be done for several reasons, all of which help determine the health and functioning of your heart. At Heart of Dixie Cardiology, we may recommend an echocardiogram for one of the following reasons:
Echocardiograms test the pumping function of your heart. This is known as the ejection fraction, which determines how much blood is being pumped. Echocardiograms also look at the chambers and structure of your heart and help us evaluate the four valves that are in your heart.
Before the test, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist up so that electrodes, or sticky patches, can be attached to your chest. These electrodes will help detect your heart’s electrical currents. During the echocardiogram, the transducer will be held against your chest, being moved back and forth, to record images of your heart. This entire process usually takes place within an hour or less, and in most cases, patients can go about their daily routine afterward.
A board-certified cardiologist will interpret your echocardiogram. Information from your echocardiogram could show any of the following results:
Depending on your results, we can work together with you to determine appropriate care and treatment to minimize symptoms and improve overall heart health.
When you have symptoms of shortness of breath, swelling, or a heart murmur, an echocardiogram may help in diagnosing a heart condition, and we can offer treatment. Contact our location nearest you today to schedule an appointment with us.
When you have symptoms of shortness of breath, swelling, or a heart murmur, an echocardiogram may help in diagnosing a heart condition, and we can offer treatment. Contact our location nearest you today to schedule an appointment with us.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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